This is the third in a series of eight 2020 NFL Draft posts that will cover who teams should, could, and ultimately will end up drafting in the first round. Today we look at the AFC East.
Buffalo Bills
Should. The Bills do not have a first-round pick in 2020 because they used the pick as part of a trade package for WR Stefon Diggs. While this position was their biggest need, the team was originally scheduled to pick 22nd in the draft. The top prospects would have likely been selected by the time the Bills were on the clock. Other than a trade like the one the team struck, the only other ‘should’ option would have been to trade back.
Could. The Bills could have traded up for CeeDee Lamb or Jerry Jeudy, but neither receiver would have the immediate impact of Diggs.
Will. Diggs is a good substitute for anything the Bills could have done with the 22nd pick. Well done, Buffalo.
Miami Dolphins
Should. The Dolphins have the 5th pick in the draft. This is not the year to select a QB. The team has too many holes at receiver, offensive line, and all over the defense. Fitzpatrick can hold down the fort for one more year while the team continues to build a good situation for a future star QB.
If no QB is selected, the team could go in any direction and not make a mistake at this pick. OL, WR, CB, and DT are all quality options here. The only way they go wrong is if they reach for a HB.
Could. They could take a QB. Unless they trade up, it is likely that both Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa will have already been selected by pick #5. This leaves the team with Justin Herbert or Jordan Love as options. Either one would be destroyed if forced to start in 2020. It does not make sense to draft QB.
Will. The Dolphins will either select Tua Tagovailoa at pick #5 or trade up for him. The temptation is too great to pass on a talent like Tua. If they ask too much of the young QB, his NFL tenure may not last too long. It will not be a terrible pick, but one that can go wrong very quickly.
New England Patriots
Should. The Patriots select 23rd. Given that the team gave up their second-round pick to Atlanta in exchange for Mohamed Sanu, they must make this pick count. Whoever ends up starting at QB for this team needs protection that Tom Brady was not getting. Cesar Ruiz would be a great addition at guard for this team.
Could. The team could take a QB. That would be a mistake. No QB at this point in the draft could provide something that Jarett Stidham can not. Reinforcing the other aspects of the offense and trusting that Stidham can take leaps in year 2 under Josh McDaniels’ offense is the best move.
Will. The Patriots will want to pick before their turn comes up again deep in the third round. They will trade back in the first to acquire additional picks.
New York Jets
Should. The Jets pick 11th. After losing their main big-play receiver to the Panthers, this is an easy decision. Either CeeDee Lamb or Jerry Jeudy could be available at this spot and should be the selection. If both are gone, Henry Ruggs III would be a nice compliment to Jamison Crowder, who primarily covers the possession receiver role.
Could. The Jets could select a defensive player. However, the team’s defense was actually a bright spot towards the end of last year’s season. Unless Jamal Adams is traded, the team could address the defense later in the draft.
Will. One of the three top receivers will be selected 11th in this draft.
